it appears strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it appears strange" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something seems unusual or out of the ordinary. Example: "After reviewing the data, it appears strange that the results do not align with our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This can be a reason why it appears strange at first, like quantum mechanics in general.

Harvard University

At first sight it appears strange that none of these three thinkers had any appreciable influence within his own world (neither Islam nor Judaism knew of any such thing as a "discovery" of Aristotle), whereas on almost every page of the 13th-century Christian summae the names of Avicenna, Averroës, and Maimonides are found.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While it appears strange that Smith would admit the death of a character before he begins filming, it has been suggested that this could be his way of avoiding the disruption that such a scene could create for the rest of the film.

Independent

It appears strange that Lloyds is only required to sell (within four years) a selection of assets – a small number of branches in England and Wales, the failed IF internet bank and Lloyds TSB branches in Scotland – all of which it might well have chosen to sell anyway.

The Guardian - Business

As a motivational tool for the quicks before a Test match that Alastair Cook's side need to win in order to square the series with Pakistan, it appears strange and one which Anderson, who has claimed seven wickets at 19 so far, revealed with a wry smile.

The Guardian - Sport

"In one way it appears strange but it was also quite modern to have a theme night," Aldridge says.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

She added: "I know that Mr Bridger had a history of relationships with young mothers … It appeared strange to me that an adult was talking to a young girl from the secondary school".

The Guardian

There was another world behind the wall - like the world beyond the back of the wardrobe - it appeared strange and exotic.

BBC

It thus appears strange for the Court to say that 'deficiencies' in the complaint 'could not be cured by the Commissioner's reliance upon a presumption * * * (of) personal knowledge.' Implicit in petitioner's entire argument is the fact that no presumption was indulged.

Cornell University

It might appear strange that it took a disaster to rekindle Tokyo's passion for the Olympics, but the city's government relentlessly sold the idea that the event would help Japan recover and many Japanese believe it.

The Economist

With such pickings to choose from, the Gérôme theft appears strange, the police said, but it appears to have been the easiest target, because it was poorly guarded at that moment.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "it appears strange", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the subject 'strange'. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it appears strange" without providing context or explanation. Vague statements can confuse readers; specify what aspects are strange and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it appears strange" functions as an introductory expression used to preface an observation or judgment about something that seems unusual, odd, or out of the ordinary. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and provides several examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it appears strange" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to introduce observations that something is unusual or unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its use across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "it seems odd" or "it looks unusual" offer similar meanings, "it appears strange" provides a balanced tone suitable for both formal and informal settings. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems odd

Replaces "appears" with "seems" and "strange" with "odd", offering a slightly more informal tone.

it seems unusual

Replaces "appears" with "seems" and "strange" with "unusual", indicating a deviation from the norm.

it seems peculiar

Substitutes "appears" with "seems" and "strange" with "peculiar", suggesting something is unusual and possibly concerning.

it comes across as strange

Emphasizes how something is perceived, using "comes across as" to suggest an impression of strangeness.

it strikes as odd

Employs "strikes as" instead of "appears", giving a sense of sudden realization of something being odd.

it feels peculiar

Uses "feels" instead of "appears" to describe the sensation of something being strange or unusual.

it gives a strange impression

Focuses on the impression created, suggesting something evokes a feeling of strangeness.

it looks weird

Uses "looks" instead of "appears" and "weird" instead of "strange", resulting in a more casual expression.

it presents itself as strange

Highlights the manner in which something is presented, suggesting a deliberate or unintentional display of strangeness.

it suggests strangeness

Directly states that something implies or hints at strangeness, focusing on the indicative nature.

FAQs

How can I use "it appears strange" in a sentence?

Use "it appears strange" to express that something seems unusual or out of the ordinary. For example: "After reviewing the data, "it appears strange" that the results do not align with our expectations."

What are some alternatives to "it appears strange"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems odd", "it looks unusual", or "it seems peculiar" depending on the context.

Is "it appears strange" formal or informal?

"It appears strange" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives exist if a more sophisticated tone is desired.

What's the difference between "it appears strange" and "it seems strange"?

The phrases ""it appears strange"" and "it seems strange" are largely interchangeable. "Appears" might suggest a more visual observation, while "seems" can encompass a broader range of perceptions, but the difference is subtle.